We think nothing of spending a small fortune on anti-wrinkle creams and other skin care products that promise to make us look years younger in just one week. Is this really necessary when the real secret to keeping a youthful complexion is as simple as eating the right types of food? Why purchase expensive anti-aging products when you can simply eat to look younger? When we eat to look younger, we also experience the health benefits associated with a balanced diet.

With more women turning to cosmetic surgery, it seems like we are fixated on trying to reverse the effects of time. You can try to fight the aging process from the outside, but it is what you put into your body that really counts.

Your body tends to peak around the age of 25. After this age, your body starts the aging process as your cell renewal rate slows down. That does not mean that it’s too late if you are over 25. It is never too late to start fighting the aging process. As long as you follow a healthy diet, you can still eat to look younger.

1. Stock up on dark fruit and vegetables

Antioxidants are a great place to start if you want to eat to look younger. Antioxidants include vitamins, such as vitamin C, as well as bioflavonoids, which fight free radicals. Free radicals play havoc with our DNA and affect most of the cells in our bodies, so it’s vital to stock up on foods that contain antioxidants.

Fruits and vegetables that are dark in color typically contain more flavenoids. Generally, the darker the color, the more flavenoids they contain, as it is the flavenoids that give the fruit its dark color. Good sources of flavenoids include blueberries, black grapes and red peppers. Incorporating fruit and vegetables from across the color spectrum can ensure that you have plenty of antioxidants in your diet.

Blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and cranberries encourage your body to produce more collagen. Collagen is important for keeping the skin supple and smooth. Blackcurrants can also provide some protection against UV rays and they also destroy free radicals. This helps to fight anti-aging caused by sunburn. Black and red grapes strengthen the capillaries in the skin, which protects against thread veins. They also keep the skin from sagging and help it to remain supple.

Avocado is another good option for younger-looking skin. It contains lots of natural, monounsaturated fat which is essential for firm and youthful skin. Avocado also reduces the amount of "bad" fat in your body, so it can help you lose weight. It also reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol in your body and is a rich source of potassium which flushes out the toxins that cause cellulite. The biggest anti-aging weapon avocado provides is the combination of vitamins C and E, both of which fight the aging free radicals in your body. They also work to unclog your arteries.

Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are a rich source of antioxidants. Spinach also contains lots of vitamin E which has anti-aging properties. Other green vegetables such as cauliflower and brussel sprouts also contain plenty of antioxidants.

2. Eat dark chocolate

Chocolate contains many antioxidants, but that doesn't mean you can reach for just any type of chocolate. Milk chocolate has no nutritional value at all and it is typically the dark chocolate that is full of antioxidants. Dark chocolate is also lower in saturated fat and sugar, so it's a much healthier option than milk chocolate. It is important to choose dairy-free dark chocolate, however, because milk affects the absorption of the antioxidants.

3. Drink red wine

Red wine is also rich in antioxidants, but it should only be consumed in moderation. It contains antioxidants that can aid blood clotting, lower your risk of heart disease and even fight certain types of cancer. If you prefer white wine, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Eat Brazil nuts

Eating Brazil nuts is another way you can eat to look younger. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium which promotes skin elasticity. Selenium also keeps your hair and nails looking healthy. If you suffer from acne, it can also improve the condition of the skin to treat and prevent it. Brazil nuts also contain high amounts of zinc, which fights skin inflammation and treats dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Both of these conditions can contribute to premature aging, as dry skin is more likely to age quicker than skin that contains more oil.

5. Eat oily fish

Oily fish is a great source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. The body cannot produce omega 3 by itself, so it needs to get it from outside sources. Omega 3 promotes skin elasticity, which keeps the skin soft and supple and prevents dryness so it's an ideal way you can eat to look younger. It is found in salmon, tuna, swordfish, herring, mackerel and sardines. Salmon also increases cell turnover; dead skin cells are shed more quickly and the smooth skin underneath comes through.

6. Try some acai berries

Also known as goji berries, this is the latest health food you can eat to look younger. These berries can be found in health stores, mostly in juice form and they tend to be expensive. Acai berries are the new "super food" in the quest for youthful skin. These berries are packed with anti-aging antioxidants and essential fatty acids. They contain ten times as many antioxidants as grapes, so it's perfect for fighting premature aging. Acai berries also help omega 3 oils found in oily fish penetrate the cell membranes of the skin which keeps the skin supple. Another benefit of acai berries is that they encourage the skin's insulin receptors to function more efficiently. This is important because when your insulin level is too high, it can cause inflammation which speeds up the aging process.

7. Swap breakfast cereals for oatmeal

Starting the day with a nutritious bowl of oatmeal is highly recommended. Oatmeal contains anti-aging vitamin E and also contains the antioxidant beta glucan. You can start out your day eating to look younger by having a bowl of oatmeal.

8. Drink lots of water

Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water every day is one of the best ways to keep your skin fully hydrated. Drinking water ensures that all of the cells in your body are hydrated and helps keep the skin supple and smooth.

Not only can you eat to look younger, eating these foods will also help you follow a healthy diet. You can improve your overall health and the quality of your skin by following a healthy diet. Looking younger is not an overnight process though - it will take some time for the anti-aging ingredients to take effect. Some women report significant changes within two months of eating to look younger, but for others it might take much longer for improvements to become noticeable.

Which Foods Can Boost Your Mood?

Food isn't just a palate-pleasing experience - it affects how you feel physically and mentally. In The Good Mood Diet, Susan Kleiner uses scientific research to recommend a list of "feel-great foods" that are sure to lift your spirits. Do you know which foods make you feel better than others? More important, do you eat these mood-enhancing foods? Take this food and mood quiz to find out.

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